Code: Section 72 of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
(1) The Central Government shall, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, pay to the Authority by way of grants such sums of money as the Central Government may think fit for being utilised for performing the functions of Authority under this Act.
(2) The Authority may spend such sums of money as it thinks fit for performing the functions, as prescribed under this Act, and such sums shall be treated as expenditure payable out of the grants referred to in sub-section (1).
Explanation of Section 72 JJ Act
Section 72 of the Juvenile Justice Act deals with how the Central Government funds the Authority established under the Act. This funding is critical because it enables the Authority to perform its responsibilities effectively.
Under this section, the Central Government provides financial grants to the Authority. However, these grants must first be approved by Parliament. Once Parliament makes the necessary legal appropriations, the funds are released.
The Authority then uses these grants to carry out its functions. It has the freedom to decide how to spend the money, as long as the spending aligns with its legal duties under the Act. All such spending is considered official expenditure from the government-provided grants.
Key Points:
- The Central Government provides grants to the Authority.
- These grants must be approved by Parliament.
- The Authority can spend the funds as needed for its duties.
- All expenses are drawn from the approved grants.
Illustration
Let’s take an example. Suppose the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) needs money to run adoption awareness programs and improve adoption tracking systems. After Parliament approves funding, the Central Government provides the money to CARA as a grant. CARA then spends the funds on these programs as allowed under the Juvenile Justice Act. This use of funds is officially accounted for under Section 72.
Common Questions and Answers on Section 72 JJ Act
1. Who provides the grants to the Authority?
The Central Government provides the grants after approval by Parliament.
2. What is the purpose of these grants?
The grants are used to help the Authority perform its functions as listed in the Juvenile Justice Act.
3. Can the Authority decide how to use the money?
Yes. The Authority can decide how to spend the money, but only for its legally assigned duties.
4. Is the spending monitored?
Yes. Although the Authority has discretion, the money must be spent in accordance with the Act. It is also treated as official government expenditure.
5. Why is Parliamentary approval required?
Parliament must approve the budget allocation to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
Conclusion
Section 72 of the Juvenile Justice Act ensures that the Authority responsible for child protection has the financial resources it needs. By linking funding to legal oversight and accountability, this section supports the smooth operation of child welfare systems in India.
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